Share on

Dolly was born Irene May, and following her mother’s death from birth complications, she was adopted by her grandparents, and became known as Dolly. She was Walter Lindrum’s niece, and he considered her the daughter he never had. For most of her life, she was heavily involved in the running of the family billiard room at 317 Flinders Lane, later joined by her eventual husband Bill Ellis in 1968, and became quite a popular identity there. Naturally, Dolly took up billiards, under the sharp eye of her grandfather, and was capable of making century breaks; she eventually put her studies first, but later decided to leave school to take care of her grandfather. Dolly was immensely proud of her uncle’s achievements, with a favourite pastime being recalling Walter’s world records and any of his amusing incidents. In her later years, she spent her time preserving the family’s memorabilia, and working closely with numerous charities, especially to promote cue sports in Australia. Dolly is now fondly remembered by her circle of friends and patrons of the Lindrum rooms.